ELORA – Plans for a new mixed-use development on East Mill Street in Elora have cleared another hurdle after the Ontario Land Tribunal approved a variance for the project.
RJA Holdco Inc. can now proceed with plans at 15 East Mill Street, the former LaFontana restaurant property in downtown Elora.
The proposal calls for a four-storey addition featuring three commercial spaces and 10 rental apartments. The existing stone building on the property is also planned to remain and be incorporated into the development.
The project ran into a roadblock earlier this year when Centre Wellington’s Committee of Adjustment turned down the owner’s request for a minor variance.
That decision was appealed to the OLT, with the Township and RJA Holdco ultimately reaching a settlement before a hearing on September 23rd.
The main issue was the proposed height of the building.
Current zoning allows for a maximum of three storeys and 11 metres. The approved variance increases that to four storeys and up to 15.6 metres.
The tribunal considered planning evidence from Pierre Chauvin, who said the proposal meets the required tests under the Planning Act and is consistent with the province’s 2024 Provincial Planning Statement.
The OLT accepted that evidence and approved the variance.
The tribunal’s order does not set out a construction timeline for the project.
